Introduction to Biblical Hebrew 1 introduces the main elements of biblical Hebrew grammar and syntax. Hebrew is the primary language of the Old Testament/Hebrew Bible, and ability to read Hebrew biblical texts unlocks the beauty and subtlety of biblical poetry and prose. Command of biblical Hebrew is also advantageous for the study of religion and history in the ancient and late antique Mediterranean. As we progress, you will gain insight into how our contemporary English language operates as well as how biblical Hebrew expresses ideas and structures thought differently from English. The practice of translating between languages will show you that you must understand each language deeply in order to capture its essence and its flavor in the other—it is not a mere act of substituting one word for another. The course assumes no prior experience with the Hebrew language. By the end of the semester, you will be familiar with biblical Hebrew, able to translate parts of Genesis 1–11, read aloud in Hebrew, and recognize grammatical features. By the end of two semesters of biblical Hebrew, you’ll be reading fluidly from the Bible.
Courses
HEBR 101
Introduction to Biblical Hebrew 1
Common Area: Language Studies
A first course in biblical Hebrew language involving a systematic introduction to biblical Hebrew through an intensive study of grammar, syntax, and vocabulary that includes reading sections from Genesis 1-11 in Hebrew.